off and on

adverb

: with periodic cessation : intermittently
rained off and on all day
off-and-on adjective
They have an off-and-on relationship.
off-and-on work

Examples of off and on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Crichton began the manuscript in 1994 and worked on it, off and on, for the next 14 years. Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 2 June 2024 For Hashimoto, who spent 48 years off and on as plant manager for Camarillo’s Record Technology Inc., the time was right to go all in on the old format’s future. August Brown, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2024 His record as a federal prosecutor and DOJ official, going back, off and on, 20 years, would suggest otherwise. Dan Rodricks, Baltimore Sun, 14 Mar. 2024 Advertisement The central character is Diana, a role originated both off and on Broadway by former San Diegan Alice Ripley. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for off and on 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'off and on.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of off and on was in 1535

Dictionary Entries Near off and on

Cite this Entry

“Off and on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off%20and%20on. Accessed 13 Jun. 2024.

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